Tips for Travellers

Always wear medical identification information.

Always carry your own treatment products, treatment equipment, and pharmaceutical drugs with you, as products will be different and probably very expensive in another country. Most countries also have only limited supplies and cannot be expected to give products reserved for their own people to travellers.

Carry a letter for security staff at your port of exit or entry, explaining why you are carrying treatment products, prescribed drugs, needles, syringes etc., and the serious implications of not having them immediately to hand. See sample letter for security.

When travelling by air, always carry your own treatment products, treatment equipment, and pharmaceutical drugs onboard the aircraft as hand baggage. This will allow you to present them quickly to security and customs, if requested. There are risks of loss, breakage, and of temperature variations potentially affecting treatment products if stowed in the aircraft hold.

Carry a letter from your treating doctor with information about your bleeding condition, any blood-borne viruses you may have, and the usual treatment you receive. This letter should, if possible, be in the language of the country being visited. You may not always be able to treat yourself, so this information is important. See sample letter from doctor.

Carry a letter to present to customs, if requested, to explain why you are carrying treatment products, prescribed drugs, needles, and syringes. Again, this letter should be in the language of the country being visited. See sample letter for customs.

Visa requirements should be checked well in advance of travel.

Medical insurance should be checked well in advance of departure. You may need extra time to deal with pre-existing conditions.

You may wish to write in advance to hemophilia centres in the country or countries you are visiting to enquire about the availability of treatment products and medical expenses that may be incurred for treatment.

If you need treatment while travelling, telephone the treatment centre, using the numbers listed in the WFH's Passport Directory, before seeking treatment.

National hemophilia organizations can also be a source of assistance if needed while travelling. These are also listed in Passport.